Issa (UW/R), July 11, GNA - Dr Daniel Bagah, Dean of the Faculty of Integrated Development Studies of the University of Development Studies (USD) was on Friday elected as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Nadowli West constituency in the Upper West Region.

He polled 48 votes as against 43 by his only opponent, Wing-Commander Eric Dakurah (rtd) in the election held at Issa and supervised by officials of the Nadowli District Electoral Office. Ninety-four delegates voted out of which three ballot papers were rejected.

Mr Ibrahim Tamaa, Assistant Regional Secretary of the NPP told the Ghana News Agency that the event was moved to Issa in the Nadowli East Constituency because the campaign towards the primary turned into an open contest between the Nadowli paramountcy and the Kaleo paramountcy. In order to create a level playing field for both candidates, he said the national Executive of the Party decided that the primary should be held at a neutral venue.

In his victory speech, Dr Bagah congratulated Wing Commander Dakurah for giving him "a close fight", which according to him, he least expected. "This victory is for both of us," he declared. Wing Commander Dakurah pledged to give Dr Bagah his support to enable him win the seat for NPP.

Alhaji Abudulai Issahaque, Regional Chairman of the Party, congratulated the two contestants, delegates and observers for the peaceful and orderly manner they conducted themselves during the polls. He said the successful conduct of the election was the beginning of the task ahead and urged them to unite towards victory for the Party. "You should all be aware that Nadowli West is a hot seat which we must win at all cost", he stated.